Slidable enclosures for bath tubs and the like



u 1956 G. JACOBSON ET AL 2,748,903

SLIDABLE ENCLOSURES FOR BATH TUBS AND THE LIKE Filed April 22, 1955 2 Sheets-Sheet l ATTORNEY June 1956 G. JACOBSQN ET AL 2,748,903

SLIDABLE ENCLOSURES FOR BATH TUBS AND THE LIKE 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed April 22, 1955 INVENTORS A T TORNEY SLIDABLE ENCLOSURES FOR BATH TUBS AND THE LIKE Gustaf Ludwig Jacobson, Jamestown, and John C. Oberg, Lakewood, N. Y., assignors to Steel Partitions, Inc., Falconer, N. Y., a corporation of New York Application April 22, 1953, Serial No. 350,404

8 Claims. (Cl. 189-46) This invention relates to improvements in slidable enclosures and more particularly to enclosures for use with shower cabinets, bath tubs, or other similar structures wherein an open side or face is to be closed against egress of water.

Prior to this invention many curtains, shields, or partitions have been provided for the purpose of closing a single open side or face of a tub or cabinet. In many instances, these various enclosures have undoubtedly adequately served their purpose. However, in the use of curtains, invariably flexible, considerable care and maintenance is required, over a period of use, which consists of repeated removal and washing of the curtains to remove soap and dirt residue that unavoidably collects and dries thereon, whether the material from which the curtain is formed is of cloth or plastic. The cloth curtain will in time become stained and have a continuously soiled appearance, and the plastic curtain will also become stained and in time become stiff or harden enough to crack along the folds thereof. On the other hand, rigid enclosures, such as sliding glass panels, although easily cleaned and not subject to the above mentioned deterioration, also are not entirely satisfactory for many reasons. in the first place, cabinets and tubs, being generally manufactured and sold as separate items, are not designed to be equipped with structure by which to mount sliding glass panels. Secondly, the installation of guides and tracks and supporting frames, by which to mount these panels is at best quite ditficult and in some instances the design of the cabinet or tub is such as to entirely preclude the possibility of such installation. Thirdly, to render the enclosure suificiently rugged and therefore safe, each rigid panel must be framed with some suitable material and the expense of this framing, coupled with the practically customed installation of guides, tracks, and drainage troughs, makes the glass type of enclosure extremely costly.

It is the purpose of the present invention to provide a sliding enclosure for an open side of a tub or cabinet that will combine the advantages of the flexible cloth or'plastic curtain with those of the rigid panel type enclosure. this end, the invention is directed to an enclosure that gives the generally pleasing appearance of a flexible curtain, together with the cleanliness and durability of a glass panel type enclosure. Additionally, the invention provides entirely satisfactory tub sill drainage, together with structure enabling easy and convenient installation of the enclosure. Furthermore, the material from which the enclosure is made, lends itself to such fabrication as to greatly simplify the mounting and sliding operation, as well as the selection of material of suitable color or density to give desirable tone or appearance for the purpose of blending with the styling or decoration of the room in which it is to be used.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be more fully understood from a consideration of thefollowing specification, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings; in which atent O 2,748,908 Fatented June 5, 1956 "ice Fig. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of an open face bath tub to which is applied one form of enclosure embodying the invention;

Figure 2 is a greatly enlarged fragmentary horizontal sectional view, taken substantially as indicated by'the line 22 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view, taken substantially as indicated by the line 33 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary elevational view taken in the direction of the line 44 of Fig. l, and shows, through broken away areas, the general structure of one end of the enclosure frame; and

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary horizontal sectional view taken substantially on the line 55 of Fig. 3.

Referring more particularly to the drawing, the reference numeral 10 is employed to generally designate a bath tub of the type that is open only on one side. The tub has a conventional sill 11 and, as is usual with this type, the front wall 12 may be nearly flush with the building wall into which the tub is set. For convenience in illustration of the invention, the near end of the tub shown in Fig. 1 is exposed but this end would normally be enclosed by a suitable building wall or partition, substantially as suggested.

Mounted on the tub sill 11 is the bottom rail 13 of a frame 15 which is intended to support the sliding enclosures and define their limit and direction of travel. This rail also serves, in cooperation with the slidable enclosures, as a water barrier by which to direct water, that may run down the enclosures, back into the tub. In cross section (Fig. 3), the rail 13 consists of a flat base 14, the inner edge of which terminates in a depending flange 16. This flange is fitted with a resilient channel 17 which rests directly on the top surface of the tub sill 11. The outer edge of the base 14 terminates in an upstanding, return-bent flange 18 which serves as a water barrier to require water to drain crosswise of the rail, back into the tub. The lower edge of this flange is also fitted with a resilient channel member 19 which rests directly on the outer portion of the upper edge of the tub sill. As may be more clearly appreciated in Fig. 2, the base wall 14 of the rail 13 is formed with two rows of integral ribs 21. These ribs are narrow and of considerable length and, although the ribs of each row do not form a continuing ridge from one end of the rail to the other, they do actually serve the purpose of providing the equivalent of two, upstanding, separate tracks. It is pointed out that should these ribs be continuous, there would 'be no opportunity for water collecting on the rail to return to the interior of the tub. As may be noted in Figs. 3 and 4, two or more straps 22 are applied to the under face of the rail and extend transversely thereof. These straps, in cooperation with the rail, provide receiving pockets 23 for angle brackets that are utilized to connect the rail 13 with upstanding portions of the enclosure frame 15. The manner of joining these parts will hereinafter be more fully discussed.

The ends of the enclosure frame may, as shown, be identical and consist of upstanding members 24. Each member includes a base 26, the inner edge of which terminates in an outwardly directed flange 27 that is in part enclosed by a resilient channel 28 which bears against a building or partition wall, indicated at 29. The outer edge ofthe base wall 26 is formed with an inturned flange 31, from which a returning'fiange 32 extends. A leg 33, on this flange, is enclosed by a resilient-channel 34'that also abuts the building'or partition wall 29. Flange 31 serves as an overlap for the vertical end of one-of the-enclosures and aids in preventing egress of water throughout the vertical portion of the structure. Adjacent its upper and lower ends, the member 24 is provided with two or more countersunk openings 35.

An angle bar 36 is provided as a means of securing the rail 13 to the upright member 24. The horizontal leg 37 of the bar 36 projects through pockets 23 of the straps 22 to whatever extent is necessary to bring the upright leg 38 of the bar into abutment with the member 24. To enable such abutment, a central part of the upright leg of the bar is offset (Fig. 4) and this offset portion abuts the under face of the base 26. Above and below this portion, this leg of the bar contacts the under rim of the countersunk opening 35. Suitable screws 39 are projected through the openings into the leg 38 and thus secure the member 24 against both lateral and vertical displacement with respect to the horizontal rail 13. It will be understood, of course, that it is not necessary to secure the angle bar to the rail 13 beyond the manner shown since the rail 13 was originally cut to a length determined by the length of the opening of the building or partition wall into which the tub was set. And, as long as the rail cannot move longitudinally for this reason, the angle bar serves to secure it against any possible lateral displacement.

The frame 15 for the sliding enclosures is completed by a head rail 40. Examination of Fig. 3 shows this rail in cross section to consist of a lengthwise horizontal base portion 41, from the inner and outer edges of which identical depending flanges 42 extend. The lower edges of these flanges are finished by return bending, as indicated at 43, the return flange continuing upwardly a short distance and thence inwardly in a flange 44. This horizontal flange 44 terminates in an upstanding track 46. The base wall 41 of this rail is formed with integral depending straps 47 at or near the rails ends. Further angle bars 48 are provided to secure the ends of the head rail to the upper ends of the upright members 24. These bars may be identical with the bars 36 above described but will, of course, be in reverse position. That is, the smooth, horizontal leg of the bar will project through the slots formed by the straps 47 and the vertical leg of the bar will, along its inwardly offset portion, abut the rear face of the rail 24 and be secured to said rail through openings 35 by means of additional screws 39. Here again, it is obvious that the head rail is se cured against both lateral and vertical displacement by means of the angle bar and against lengthwise displacement by the building or partition walls in which the frame is installed.

In the present disclosure, the enclosure for the tub that fits within the frame 15 above described, takes the form of two identical panels 49 and 50. These panels, although simulating, by their corrugations, the folds of a pliant curtain, are formed from a material that renders them rigid. Each panel is formed with vertical, alternating, inner and outer, rounded ribs 51 and 52 re spectively. The ribs are connected by plane portions 53. Examination of Fig. 2 suggests that the vertical ends of the panels terminate inwardly of the depth of the frame. In other words, the vertical ends 54 of panel 49 are formed by a part of the endmost, inner ribs 52 and thus, when said panel is moved toward one or the other ends of the frame, it will contact the upright member 24 approximately centrally of the base wall 26 thereof. The outer panel has vertical ends 55 which, when this panel is moved toward one or the other uprights 24, will also contact the base wall 26, but the adjacent inclined portion 53 thereof will contact the connecting bend of flanges 31 and 32. This arrangement is found expedient to prevent water escaping from within the enclosure along the vertical members 24 of the frame.

The bottom edge of the plane portion 53 of each panel is cut away to form an arch 56. The size of this arch is such that with the portion 53 inclined at a ninety degree angle to the lengthwise plane of the ribs 21, said arch will form a seat that will generally conform to the 4 contour of the rib and at the same time enable ready movement of the panel over the rib. In other words, the several ribs in a given plane, together with the arches formed in a panel, provide the equivalent of a guide and channel structure.

Near the upper end, each panel is formed with a hooklike recess 57 which is produced by cutting upwardly and inwardly from the rib 52, the cut extending well into adjacent plane surfaces 53. When the panel is formed with such recesses in each of the ribs 52 and is viewed as shown in Fig. 3, it will be observed that the recesses 57 provide entry for the flanges 44 and tracks 46 and that the panels may be suspended upon these tracks. It will be readily understood that the panels may be individually raised and unhooked from the track 46 and the extent of such movement is suflicient to withdraw the arches 56 from contact with the ribs 21. in this manner, each panel may be easily removed or inserted. It is, of course, contemplated that these enclosure panels will need to be cleansed from time to time and that they might become dislodged from the tracks 46 during this process if some preventative means were not provided. To this end, it is proposed to sup ply two or more brackets 58 which are formed, along one flange 59 thereof, to conform to a small portion of the contoured panel, and are secured in any suitable manner thereto, as by screws 61. Each of the brackets 58 includes a top flange 62 which, when the bracket is properly located, lies directly beneath the horizontal flange 44 of the track 46. Thus, although one or the other panel may be inadvertently slightly raised, it cannot become disengaged from the track 46 due to the interference of flanges 62. However, at such time as it becomes necessary, for one reason or another, to re move the panels, it is a simple matter to remove the brackets 58 and unhook and withdraw first one panel and then the other, in the manner already set out.

Although applicants have shown and described only one form of their invention, it will be apparent that variations in the general appearance of the panels, the proportions of the enclosure framing, and other details may be made and are contemplated as being within the spirit and scope of the invention insofar as such varia tions are encompassed by the annexed claims.

Having thus set forth our invention, what we claim as new and for which we desire protection by Letters Patent 1. A rigid curtain-like enclosure for one side of a bath tub and the like consisting of a panel having alternating full length inner and outer vertical ribs, the ribs on one face of said panel being recessed to provide hooklike portions adjacent their upper ends engageable with a suitable overhead track, and downwardly opening arches intermediate said ribs adapted to interfit a suitable guide beneath said panel.

2. An enclosure structure for one side of a bath tub and the like comprising a supported top rail, a track extending substantially the full length of said rail, a rigid enclosure panel, said panel consisting of alternating full length inner and outer vertical ribs, the ribs on one face of said panel being recessed to provide hook-like portions adjacent their upper ends, said portions being engageable with said track to enable sliding movement of said panel from one to the other end of said rail.

3. An enclosure structure for one side of a bath tub and the like comprising a supported top rail, a track extending substantially the full length of said rail, a rigid enclosure panel, said panel consisting of alternating full length inner and outer vertical ribs, the ribs on one face of said panel being provided with upwardly inclined recesses which extend into the substantially plane portions that connect said ribs, the upper walls of said recesses provid ing hooks directed transversely of the length of said panel, said hooks being engageable with said track to enable sliding movement of said panel from one to the other end of said rail, and means carried by said panel preventing inadvertent displacement of said hooks from said track.

4. An enclosure structure for one side of a bath tub and the like comprising a frame, a track extending substantially the full length of the top rail of said frame, a raised guide on the bottom rail of said frame, a rigid enclosure panel, said panel consisting of alternating full length inner and outer vertical ribs, the ribs on one face of said panel being provided with upwardly inclined recesses, which extend into the substantially plane portions that connect said ribs, the upper walls of said recesses providing hooks directed transversely of the length of said panel, said hooks being engageable with said track to enable sliding movement of said panel from one to the other end of said rail, the bottom edges of said plane portions being formed with arched recesses for receiving said guide and preventing lateral displacement of the lower edge of said panel from said frame.

5. An enclosure structure for one side of a bath tub and the like comprising a frame, a track extending substantially the full length of the top rail of said frame, a raised guide on the bottom rail of said frame, a rigid enclosure panel, said panel consisting of alternating full length inner and outer vertical ribs, the ribs on one face of said panel being recessed to provide hook-like portions adjacent their upper ends, said portions being engageable with said track to enable sliding movement of said panel from one to the other end of said frame, and downwardly opening arches intermediate said ribs for receiving said guide to prevent lateral displacement of the lower edge of said panel from said frame.

6. An enclosure structure for one side of a bath tub and the like comprising a frame, a track extending substantially the full length of the top rail of said frame, a raised guide on the bottom rail of said frame, upstanding end rails, angle bars connecting said end rails with said top and bottom rails, said bars permitting endwise movement of said end rails and preventing lateral and vertical displacement of said top and bottom rails, a rigid enclosure panel, said panel consisting of full length alternating inner and outer vertical ribs, the ribs on one face of said panel being recessed to provide hook-like portions adjacent their upper ends, said portions being engaged with said track, the bottom edge of said panel being formed with downwardly opening recesses adapted to receive the guide on said bottom rail, and means carried by said panel preventing inadvertent displacement of said portions from said track.

7. An enclosure structure for one side of a bath tub and the like comprising a frame having a top rail, an upstanding track on said top rail, a rigid enclosure panel, the upper edge of said panel being formed with a series of recesses opening toward one face of said frame, the upper walls of said recesses constituting hooks engageable with and adapted to slide along said track, a bottom rail forming a part of said frame, an interrupted guide on said bottom rail, and means integral with the lower edge of said panel engageable with the guide on said bottom rail.

8. An enclosure structure for one side of a bath tub and the like comprising a rectangular frame, the top rail of said frame consisting of a downwardly opening channel, an upstanding track in said channel, the bottom rail of said frame being adapted to rest on the one side of said tub, an interrupted raised guide extending substantially the full length of said bottom rail, a rigid enclosure panel formed with vertically extending alternating inner and outer ribs, the ribs on one face of said panel being recessed and providing hook-like portions adjacent their upper ends, said portions being engageable with said track to enable sliding movement of said panel from one end of said frame to the other, and downwardly opening arches intermediate said ribs, said arches providing recesses for receiving said guide and preventing lateral displacement of the lower edge of said panel from said frame.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 

